Bolton School Sixth Form Boys

Chemistry

What will I study?

Advanced level Chemistry is a very popular subject at BoltonSchool and is studied by large numbers of students. It is a rewarding academic discipline as well as a fundamental science important for all students wishing to embark upon any scientific career.

The Advanced level Chemistry specification (syllabus) studied at Bolton School is that of AQA which was launched in September 2008. To gain an Advanced level qualification, it is necessary to study six modules; to gain an AS level qualification, it is necessary to study three modules, which cover the fundamental principles of the subject.

The Advanced Subsidiary (AS) level Chemistry course may also be of interest to those students who do not intend to pursue Science to university level.

How will I be assessed?

The modular route provides a flexible system for both teaching and assessment. External examinations of all units will be held twice each year, in January and June. Students will be entered for unit 1 in January and unit 2 in June of Year 12. In Year 13 students will be entered for unit 4 in January and unit 5 in June. Opportunities are provided for students to repeat unit examinations, if necessary. Practical work is assessed internally with 20% of the overall marks being allocated to practical skills.

Good results at AS level Chemistry, as in all other subjects, will only be achieved through a combination of hard work coupled with a reasonable amount of natural ability.

Co-operation between individual students and the experienced teaching staff is encouraged and is essential for success at a high level. Motivation is important, but the demands of the subject indicate that any student wishing to study AS level Chemistry should be capable of achieving at least two A grades in a dual award science course.

Where will it lead?

Each year a number of students elect to study Chemistry at university (for which they will also be required to take an A Level in Mathematics). For others, a top grade in Advanced level Chemistry provides an essential entry qualification for veterinary science, medicine or dentistry. Engineers, biologists, food scientists, accountants and lawyers to name but a few, are happy to use Advanced level Chemistry as an entry qualification to a degree course.